Rothesay

Size limits

Max draught 4.0m, LOA 90m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Mean spring range 3.1m. Mean neap range 1.8m.

The depth in the bay increases with W'ly winds and decreases with E'ly winds. SW gales lasting 2-3 days and occurring at spring tides may increase the depth in the bay by 1.5m and a continuance of E'ly winds may decrease it by 0.5m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Approach through Rothesay Bay is wide and clear except for two Admiralty mooring buoys, one of which is unlit, and moorings for small craft and seasonal yachts are laid off both shores.

A bell is rung from the middle of Rothesay Front Pier during poor visibility.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Approach speed to the berths at Rothesay should be slow, Beacons on the shore 630m NNW and NE of Rothesay Castle indicate the position at which engine speed should be reduced.

Anchorages

Anchorage can be obtained in any part of Rothesay Bay clear of the Admiralty mooring buoys, foul patches, submarine cables and a submarine cable area. A bank, with depths of 14.6-18.4m and with a stony bottom, is situated 0.7nm W of Bogany Point (55°50.7'N 005°01.5'W), elsewhere in the bay the holding ground is good, with that on the W side being the best.

Restrictions

Priority given to hourly ferry service, Wemyss Bay to Rothesay.

Charts and publications

BA 1867, 1907. Admiralty Pilot NP66A, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 1 hour prior to arrival, between 0600-2100hrs.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16, 12, callsign "Rothesay Radio".

Standard messages

None.

Flags

No special requirements.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Transport and Security Directorate (TRANSEC) of the Department for Transport.

Position: Head of Maritime Security Operations.

Address: TRANSEC Department for Transport, 5th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6DT, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 207 944 2844 (24 hrs)

Fax: +44 207 944 2175

Email: [email protected]

Recognised Security Organisations:

RSO - ISSC Issue: Transec for passenger vessels. MCA for other vessels

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Transec for passenger vessels. MCA for other vessels.

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) is proposing, in line with EU regulations associated with the ISPS Code, to extend maritime security requirements to ships operating in domestic service and to port facilities serving them. The requirements would be based on those applicable to sea going vessels and generally would apply to domestic ships operating in 'sea areas', and which carry over 12 passengers or are over 500GT. Sea going ships which are certified to carry more than 250 passengers and tankers, especially those carrying oil and gas products, are considered as having the potential to be a target for attack.

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Victoria Hospital, 0.8km.

Cowal Community Hospital, 10.2km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Glasgow.

Nearest railway: Wemyss Bay.

Working hours

Normally 0600-2200hrs.

Where it is

Rothesay is located at the head of Rothesay Bay, on the E coast of the Island of Bute.

The port

Rothesay is a ferry port on a primary route and is the principal harbour on the Island of Bute. The port has facilities for handling passengers and fishing interests.

What are the pilot arrangements at Rothesay?

None locally, but available from Clyde Ports Authority.

What time zone is Rothesay in?

Local time at Rothesay is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Rothesay?

The deepest berth listed is at Main Pier: 4.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Rothesay?

1025.

Which load line zone is Rothesay in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Rothesay?

Port State Control at Rothesay: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Rothesay?

The UN/LOCODE of Rothesay is GBRAY.

What crews who called at Rothesay say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

Read and add tips for Rothesay →